@article {bnh-5200, title = {Exploring the experiences of those who shelter in place during severe flooding}, year = {2018}, month = {12/2018}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazard CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

This report examines the experiences of residents and business owners in the Northern Rivers region of NSW during flooding on March 30 and 31, 2017. It draws on a survey of residents and business owners conducted in July 2017, and a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with residents and business owners between April and July 2017. Using these methods, perspectives on awareness, information and warnings, and preparedness are explored, alongside people{\textquoteright}s experiences of staying with their home or business during this flood. The findings suggest that an approach that is more responsive to local cultures and contexts is needed for managing the residual flood risk in already existing towns and developments in floodplains, particularly where there is an established culture of sheltering during floods.\ Information that enables residents and businesses to effectively plan and prepare for the realities
of sheltering, or to recognise that early evacuation is a better strategy and to take steps to ensure that evacuation is possible, is needed.

}, issn = {436}, author = {Matalena Tofa and Katharine Haynes and Ashley Avci and Jonathan Van Leeuwen and Roche, Kevin and Coates, Lucinda and Andrew Gissing} } @conference {bnh-3893, title = {Sheltering in place during flooding: a case study of ex cyclone Debbie}, booktitle = {AFAC17}, year = {2017}, month = {09/2017}, publisher = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, organization = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Sydney}, abstract = {

Some anecdotal evidence of the dangers and challenges that residents face when sheltering in place during flooding exists; however, little detailed research has been conducted documenting peoples{\textquoteright} actual experiences.\  The March / April 2017 flooding in Northern NSW presented an opportunity to investigate the experiences of those who had sheltered in a home or business. The research methods included in-depth interviews and a questionnaire conducted online, over the phone and in-person with residents and business owners in the Richmond, Brunswick and Tweed river catchments. The research was conducted between April and July 2017. This paper will present findings about preparation and intentions, responses to warnings, factors influencing sheltering or evacuation behavior and the risks and challenges faced. Although early evacuation will remain the safest option in many flood situations, the research has identified that a culture of sheltering exists in the Northern Rivers area. This research provides insights into the challenges and risks of sheltering, but also to the diverse motivations and reasoning that influence how people respond to floods. This work will begin to inform how emergency services can better prepare communities, where sheltering is commonplace, for the physical and emotional realities they may face.\ 

}, author = {Katharine Haynes and Matalena Tofa and Andrew Gissing and Coates, Lucinda and Roche, Kevin} }